Visual art, poetry, music, essays.
A wish for 2022
One would think,
given a global
pandemic
which has claimed
millions of lives,
that we would speak
kindly to each other.
A time of travail
often is a time
of banding together
under the common
bond of the will
to survive and
continue.
But this time,
we have jumped the
tracks. We hardly
hear our own voices
over the collective
shouting.
Where did we miss the split?
What signal rendered
the switchman direlect
in his duty?
How did we arrive
in such a chaotic block?
This contagion,
this virus,
which surprises us
at every turn,
has made a mockery
of opinions &
perspectives.
No matter where we
stand on the issue,
we are wrong
again & again.
If we have a claim
to any status as
an intelligent species,
it is only by learning
from our mistakes, as
well as advancing with
our successes.
The first lesson,
perhaps,
is that we have,
collectively speaking,
more to gain from
listening than
yelling.
This year, 2022,
offers an opportunity
to improve our
score. We can get
better with practice!
Talk with someone
with whom you
disagree.
Listen to their side
of the story.
Don't worry,
you don't have to
concur. It is only
necessary to listen.
But listen well!
Eschew forming an
opinion.
Try to extract their concerns.
Respect the complexity
of the situation.
Proceed with great
humility,
knowing that this
virus will -- in some
way -- prove us wrong
yet again.
Let us
transform the
pandemic of confusion,
misunderstanding, distrust
into the vibrance
of unity & acceptance!
Copyright © 2022 by Timothy W. Duncan. All rights reserved.
Comments and input appreciated!.
I will answer your questions promptly!.